As incredible as it may sound, at the age of 43 and after more than six years since his last official fight, former cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion David Haye wants to return to the ring.
The shocking revelation was shared by the former British boxer with Simon Jordan during an episode of the “Up Front” podcast by William Hill. These were Haye’s words on the matter:
“It’s [the door] not fully closed. If I can get my lower legs to do what I know they can do, which they weren’t able to do for probably since 2016.”
“If my lower legs can do things I need them to do, I could beat a lot of the guys out there now in the heavyweight division.”
“If I can go through training camps – I’m being 100 per cent serious.”
Haye’s reference to his legs is no coincidence. His surprising defeat in March 2017 at the hands of fellow Brit Tony Bellew was heavily influenced by a serious Achilles tendon injury, which forced “Hayemaker” to fight a significant portion of the match while visibly limping.
Even in the subsequent rematch, held more than a year later, Haye gave the clear impression of moving awkwardly and uncertainly, suffering an even more decisive defeat before the final bell.
It seems highly unlikely that the English athlete could return to the ring in physical condition good enough to compete with top-tier heavyweights. Time will tell whether this is just a bold statement or if concrete actions will follow.